VTA Decides to Pimp Its Rides

In an effort to increase ridership, the Valley Transit Authority has decided to pimp its new rides, the Mercury News reports.

Following the lead of private corporations like Yahoo, Apple and others—which have siphoned away VTA commuters by 15 percent over the last two years—the VTA will be enhancing its hybrid express buses to make the experience more comfortable.

Twenty new buses will now provide reclining seats, bike racks and Wi-Fi at a cost of just $5 per ride (up from $4). Leather seats, overhead storage, cup holders and fold-out tray tables could also be on the way.

The buses originally cost a little more than half a million dollars each and were funded by stimulus. The new amenities will tack on an extra $45,000 per bus and be paid out of the same source.